U.S. patent application number 13/442432 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for closure devices, systems, and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jonathan I. Kaplan, David A. Mackiewicz, Anthony P. Patron, Kelly A. Pike, Gina L. Romero, Andrew Switky, Laveille Kao Voss. Invention is credited to Jonathan I. Kaplan, David A. Mackiewicz, Anthony P. Patron, Kelly A. Pike, Gina L. Romero, Andrew Switky, Laveille Kao Voss.
Application Number | 20130267995 13/442432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49292912 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130267995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Voss; Laveille Kao ; et
al. |
October 10, 2013 |
CLOSURE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
Abstract
An anchor assembly configured to locate and anchor body tissue
surrounding an opening in the body tissue. The anchor assembly can
include a plurality of anchor elements. Each anchor element can
include an elongate portion and an anchor portion extending from
the elongate portion. The elongate portion can be configured to be
manipulated by a user. The anchor portion can have a contracted
configuration capable of passing through the opening in the body
tissue and can have an expanded configuration capable of anchoring
the body tissue surrounding the opening. The anchor portion and the
elongate portion can be integrally formed from a single wire.
Inventors: |
Voss; Laveille Kao;
(Belmont, CA) ; Pike; Kelly A.; (Half Moon Bay,
CA) ; Mackiewicz; David A.; (Scotts Valley, CA)
; Switky; Andrew; (Menlo Park, CA) ; Romero; Gina
L.; (Los Altos, CA) ; Kaplan; Jonathan I.;
(Palo Alto, CA) ; Patron; Anthony P.; (Mountain
View, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Voss; Laveille Kao
Pike; Kelly A.
Mackiewicz; David A.
Switky; Andrew
Romero; Gina L.
Kaplan; Jonathan I.
Patron; Anthony P. |
Belmont
Half Moon Bay
Scotts Valley
Menlo Park
Los Altos
Palo Alto
Mountain View |
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS,
INC.
Santa Clara
CA
|
Family ID: |
49292912 |
Appl. No.: |
13/442432 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00871
20130101; A61B 2017/00623 20130101; A61B 2017/00778 20130101; A61B
17/0057 20130101; A61B 2017/00668 20130101; A61B 2017/00867
20130101; A61B 2017/00659 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/213 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/08 20060101
A61B017/08 |
Claims
1. An anchor assembly configured to locate and anchor body tissue
surrounding an opening in the body tissue, the anchor assembly
comprising: a plurality of anchor elements, each anchor element
comprising: an elongate portion configured to be manipulated by a
user; and an anchor portion extending from the elongate portion,
the anchor portion having a contracted configuration capable of
passing through the opening in the body tissue and having an
expanded configuration capable of anchoring the body tissue
surrounding the opening, the anchor portion and the elongate
portion being integrally formed from a single wire.
2. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein the wire of each anchor
element has a diameter between about 127 .mu.m and about 178
.mu.m.
3. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchor assembly is
comprised of a shape memory material.
4. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchor
elements comprises at least eight anchor elements.
5. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein in the expanded
configuration each anchor portion extends radially outward from a
longitudinal axis of the anchor assembly, the radial direction
being different for each anchor portion.
6. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein in the expanded
configuration each anchor portion extends substantially
orthogonally outward from the corresponding elongate portion.
7. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein in the expanded
configuration each anchor portion forms an acute angle with respect
to its corresponding elongate portion.
8. The anchor assembly of claim 7, wherein the acute angle is
between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees.
9. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein each anchor portion
comprises: a first section extending from the corresponding
elongate portion; and a second section extending from the first
section, such that in the expanded configuration, the first section
forms an acute angle with respect to the elongate portion, and the
second section is substantially orthogonal to the elongate
portion.
10. The anchor assembly of claim 9, wherein the second section
extends from the first section towards the elongate portion.
11. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein each elongate portion
comprises opposite ends of the wire and the corresponding anchor
portion comprises a middle portion of the wire extending between
the opposite ends.
12. The anchor assembly of claim 11, wherein in the expanded
configuration the anchor portion of the wire comprises a loop
section that extends proximally with respect to a non-looped
section of the anchor portion.
13. An anchor assembly configured to locate and/or anchor body
tissue surrounding an opening in the body tissue, the anchor
assembly comprising: an elongate portion configured to be
manipulated by a user, the elongate portion comprising a first
elongate member disposed through a generally tubular second
elongate member; and a plurality of anchor portions, the anchor
portions each having a contracted configuration capable of passing
through the opening in the body tissue and having an expanded
configuration capable of anchoring the body tissue surrounding the
opening, wherein the first elongate member is connected to a distal
end of the anchor portions and the second elongate member is
connected to a proximal end of the anchor portions and wherein
selective relative movement between the first elongate member and
the second elongate member causes the anchor portions to
selectively expand and contract, the anchor portions being
comprised of a wire having a diameter between about 127 .mu.m and
about 178 .mu.m.
14. The anchor assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of
anchor portions are integrally formed from a single wire.
15. The anchor assembly of claim 13, wherein the anchor portions
are expanded and contracted by moving the first elongate member
longitudinally with respect to the second elongate member.
16. The anchor assembly of claim 13, wherein the anchor portions
are expanded and contracted by rotating the first elongate member
with respect to the second elongate member.
17. The anchor assembly of claim 13, wherein each anchor portions
is comprised of a shape memory material.
18. The anchor assembly of claim 13, wherein each anchor portion
comprises a projection configured to be movable between a
contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.
19. The anchor assembly of claim 13, wherein each anchor portion
has a first contracted configuration wherein the anchor portion is
retracted into the second elongate member and a second contracted
configuration wherein the anchor portion is elongated in a distal
direction.
20. A closure system comprising: a handle member; a tube set
configured to deliver and deploy a closure element, the tube set
having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the
tube set being coupled to the handle member; a plunger member
movably coupled to the handle member; and an anchor assembly
disposed at least partially within the tube set, the anchor
assembly comprising: a plurality of anchor elements, each anchor
element comprising: an elongate portion configured to be
manipulated by a user; and an anchor portion extending from the
elongate portion, the anchor portion having a contracted
configuration capable of passing through a body lumen opening and
having an expanded configuration capable of anchoring tissue
surrounding the body lumen opening, the anchor portion and elongate
portion being integrally formed from a single wire.
21. The closure system of claim 20, wherein the anchor elements are
configured to be withdrawn through the body lumen opening without
causing significant damage to the surrounding the body lumen
opening.
22. The closure system of claim 20, wherein the anchor elements are
configured to be withdrawn through the closure element without
causing significant damage to the tissue surrounding the body lumen
opening.
23. A method of closing an opening in a tissue wall having a
proximal surface and an opposing distal surface, the method
comprising: positioning a closure system adjacent to the opening in
the tissue wall, the closure system including an anchor assembly
and a closure element disposed within a tube set; deploying the
anchor assembly from the tube set, the anchor assembly comprising
one or more anchor elements having an anchor portion and an
elongate portion, the anchor portion of each anchor element moving
from an initial contracted configuration to a deployed expanded
configuration upon deployment of the anchor assembly; positioning
the anchor portion of each anchor element against the distal
surface of the tissue wall proximate the opening; positioning a
distal end of the tube set against the proximal surface of the
tissue wall proximate the opening to sandwich the tissue wall
proximate the opening between the anchor portions and the tube set;
deploying the closure element from the closure system to close the
opening in the vessel wall, the anchor portions of the anchor
elements remaining positioned against the distal surface of the
tissue wall during deployment of the closure element; retracting
the anchor portions of the anchor elements back into the tube set;
and removing the closure system from the closed opening.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein positioning the closure system
adjacent to the opening in the tissue wall comprises inserting a
portion of tube set through the opening.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the distal end of the tube set
remains positioned against the proximal surface of the tissue wall
during deployment of the closure element.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the distal end of the tube set
remains positioned against the proximal surface of the tissue wall
during retraction of the anchor portions back into the tube
set.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein the anchor portions are
withdrawn through the closure element during retraction of the
anchor portions back into the tube set.
28. The method of claim 23, wherein the anchor portion of each
anchor element moves from the deployed expanded configuration back
to the initial contracted configuration during refraction of the
anchor portions back into the tube set.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices
and corresponding methods of use. In particular, the present
disclosure relates to vessel closure systems and devices and
corresponding methods of use.
[0003] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0004] During intravascular and other related medical procedures,
catheters are typically inserted through an incision or puncture in
the skin and underlying tissues to access an artery or vein,
typically in the groin, neck, or subclavian areas of a patient. The
catheter can be inserted through a puncture in the blood vessel and
guided to the desired site to perform interventional procedures
such as angiography, angioplasty, stent delivery, plaque removal,
and infusion of a therapeutic substance.
[0005] Often these procedures are performed by inserting a hollow
needle through a patient's skin and muscle tissue into the vascular
system. A guide wire then is passed through the needle lumen into
the patient's blood vessel. The needle is removed and an introducer
sheath is advanced over the guide wire into the vessel. The
catheter typically is passed through the lumen of the introducer
sheath and advanced over the guide wire into position for the
medical procedure.
[0006] After the procedure is completed and the catheter and
introducer sheath are removed from the patient, however, the access
hole must be closed to prevent hemorrhage. This is typically
achieved by applying pressure over the blood vessel manually and
then by applying a pressure bandage or a compressive weight. With
conventional methods, the rate of post-puncture hemorrhage is high,
which can cause considerable complications. This impediment is
exacerbated by the concomitant use of anticoagulant medications
such as heparin or warfarin and by anti-platelet drugs, which are
commonly used following a procedure in order to prevent clot
formation and thrombus and/or to treat vascular disease.
[0007] It is generally recognized that many currently employed
vascular sealing methods and devices and other tissue closure
methods and devices incompletely seal holes or wounds in vascular
or other tissue. Achieving complete wound closure is particularly
important in sealing arterial punctures, which are relatively high
pressure systems. For example, under normal blood pressure, the
arterial system has a pressure of about 104/80 mmHg or more.
Failure to completely close arterial holes can result in hematoma,
exsanguination, and other catastrophic consequences, including limb
amputation and death.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure includes anchor assemblies configured
to locate and/or anchor tissue surrounding a body lumen opening. In
one implementation, the anchor assembly can include a plurality of
anchor elements. Each anchor element can include an elongate
portion configured to be manipulated by a user and an anchor
portion extending from the elongate portion. The anchor portion can
have a contracted configuration capable of passing through a body
tissue opening and an expanded configuration capable of anchoring
tissue surrounding the body tissue opening. The anchor portion and
elongate portion can be integrally formed from a single wire. In
one implementation, the wire of each anchor element can have a
diameter between about 127 .mu.m and about 178 .mu.m. The anchor
assembly can be comprised of a shape memory material.
[0009] In one implementation, the plurality of anchor elements can
comprise at least eight anchor elements. In one implementation, in
the expanded configuration each anchor portion can extend radially
outward from a longitudinal axis of the anchor assembly, the radial
direction being different for each anchor portion. In one
implementation, each anchor portion can extend substantially
orthogonally outward from the corresponding elongate portion in the
expanded configuration. In one embodiment, each anchor portion can
form an acute angle with respect to its corresponding elongate
portion in the expanded configuration. In a further implementation,
the acute angle can be between about 10 degrees and about 75
degrees.
[0010] In one implementation, each anchor portion can include a
first section that extends from the corresponding elongate portion
and a second section that extends from the first section. In a
further implementation, in the expanded configuration the first
section can form an acute angle with respect to the elongate
portion, and the second section can be substantially orthogonal to
the elongate portion. In a further implementation, the second
section can extend from the first section towards the elongate
portion.
[0011] In one implementation, each elongate portion can comprise
both of the opposite ends of a single wire and each anchor portion
can comprise a middle portion of the wire extending between the
opposite ends. In a further implementation, the anchor portion of
the wire can comprise a loop section that extends proximally with
respect to a non-looped section of the anchor portion.
[0012] In one implementation, the anchor assembly can include an
elongate portion configured to be manipulated by a user and a
plurality of anchor portions. The elongate portion can include a
first elongate member disposed through a generally tubular second
elongate member. The anchor portions can each have a contracted
configuration capable of passing through a body tissue opening and
an expanded configuration capable of anchoring tissue surrounding
the body tissue opening. In one implementation, the wire of each
anchor element can have a diameter between about 127 .mu.m and
about 178 .mu.m.
[0013] In one implementation, the anchor portion and elongate
portion can be integrally formed from a single wire. In one
implementation, the anchor portions can be expanded and contracted
by moving the first elongate member longitudinally with respect to
the second elongate member. In one implementation, the anchor
portions can be expanded and contracted by rotating the first
elongate member with respect to the second elongate member. In one
embodiment, the anchor assembly can be comprised of a shape memory
material. In one implementation, each anchor portion can include a
projection configured to be movable between a contracted
configuration and an expanded configuration. In one implementation,
each anchor portion can have a first contracted configuration,
wherein the anchor portion can be retracted into the second
elongate member, and a second contracted configuration, wherein the
anchor portion can be elongated in a distal direction.
[0014] Implementations of the present disclosure can also include a
closure system. In one implementation, the closure system can
include a handle member, a tube set configured to deliver and
deploy a closure element, a plunger member movably coupled to the
handle member, and an anchor assembly disposed at least partially
within the tube set. In one implementation, the anchor elements are
configured to be withdrawn through the body lumen opening without
causing significant damage to the tissue surrounding the body lumen
opening. In one implementation, the anchor elements are configured
to be withdrawn through the closure element without causing
significant damage to the tissue surrounding the body lumen
opening.
[0015] Implementations of the present disclosure can also include
methods of closing an opening in a tissue wall. In one
implementation, the method can include positioning a closure system
adjacent to an opening in the tissue wall, the closure system
including an anchor assembly and a closure element disposed within
a tube set; deploying the anchor assembly from the tube set, the
anchor assembly comprising one or more anchor elements having an
anchor portion and an elongate portion, the anchor portion of each
anchor element moving from an initial contracted configuration to a
deployed expanded configuration upon deployment of the anchor
assembly; positioning the anchor portion of each anchor element
against a distal surface of the tissue wall proximate the opening;
positioning a distal end of the tube set against a proximal surface
of the tissue wall proximate the opening to sandwich the tissue
wall proximate the opening between the anchor portions and the tube
set; deploying the closure element from the closure system to close
the opening in the vessel wall, the anchor portions of the anchor
elements remaining positioned against the distal surface of the
tissue wall during deployment of the closure element; retracting
the anchor portions of the anchor elements back into the tube set;
and removing the closure system from the closed opening.
[0016] In one implementation, positioning the closure system
adjacent to the opening in the tissue wall can include inserting a
portion of tube set through the opening. In one implementation, the
distal end of the tube set can remain positioned against the
proximal surface of the tissue wall during deployment of the
closure element. In one implementation, the distal end of the tube
set can remain positioned against the proximal surface of the
tissue wall during retraction of the anchor portions back into the
tube set. In one implementation, the anchor portions can be
withdrawn through the closure element during retraction of the
anchor portions back into the tube set. In one implementation, the
anchor portion of each anchor element can move from the deployed
expanded configuration back to the initial contracted configuration
during retraction of the anchor portions back into the tube
set.
[0017] These and other advantages and features of the present
disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be
discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. In the drawings, like numerals designate like elements.
Furthermore, multiple instances of an element may each include
separate letters appended to the element number. For example two
instances of a particular element "20" may be labeled as "20a" and
"20b". In that case, the element label may be used without an
appended letter (e.g., "20") to generally refer to every instance
of the element; while the element label will include an appended
letter (e.g., "20a") to refer to a specific instance of the
element.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a tissue closure system according
to one embodiment;
[0020] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate one embodiment of a method of
operating the closure system of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and end views, respectively,
of an anchor assembly according to one embodiment;
[0022] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate one embodiment of a method of
operating the anchor assembly of FIG. 3A using the closure system
of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate one embodiment of a method of closing
an opening in a body tissue using the anchor assembly of FIG. 3A
and the closure system of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a side view of another embodiment of an anchor
assembly in the deployed position;
[0025] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional side view of the anchor
assembly of FIG. 6A in the retracted position;
[0026] FIGS. 6C and 6D are cross sectional side views of the anchor
assembly of FIG. 6A depicting the anchor assembly as it is moved
from the deployed to the refracted position;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
anchor assembly in the deployed position;
[0028] FIGS. 8A-8C are cross sectional side views of the anchor
assembly of FIG. 7 in a deployed/expanded configuration, a
retracted/collapsed configuration, and a deployed/collapsed
configuration, respectively;
[0029] FIG. 9A is a partial cross sectional side view of another
embodiment of an anchor assembly;
[0030] FIG. 9B is a side view of the anchor portion of FIG. 9A,
expanded and flattened to show the structure thereof;
[0031] FIG. 10A is a cross sectional side view of another
embodiment of an anchor assembly in the expanded configuration;
[0032] FIG. 10B is a side view of the anchor assembly of FIG. 10A
in the contracted configuration;
[0033] FIG. 11A is a side view of another embodiment of an anchor
assembly in the deployed position;
[0034] FIG. 11B is a partial cross sectional side view of the
anchor assembly of FIG. 11A showing the positioning of the deployed
anchor assembly in relation to a closure element during deployment;
and
[0035] FIG. 11C is a partial cross sectional side view of the
anchor assembly of FIG. 11A in the retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] As used in the specification and appended claims,
directional terms, such as "top," "bottom," "up," "down," "upper,"
"lower," "proximal," "distal," and the like are used herein solely
to indicate relative directions in viewing the drawings and are not
intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.
[0037] The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses that
are suitable for closure of vascular punctures or other openings in
bodily tissues. The devices and methods described herein are
configured for wound closure on the external surface of the wound,
which allows wound healing with little endothelial disruption
thereby reducing the chances of intravascular thrombosis or
embolism or intimal hyperplasia.
[0038] Generally, the apparatuses and methods described herein can
be used with any type of body tissue that has sufficient strength
to be held together by the tissue closure devices described
hereinafter. By way of example only, embodiments of the present
invention can be used to close openings in tissues that have a wall
or membrane function, e.g, pulmonary, intestinal, vascular,
urethral, gastric, renal or other wall structures, or in membranes,
e.g., amniotic or pericardial membranes. Openings in other types of
tissues can also be closed using embodiments of the present
invention. Although many types of body tissue can be closed by the
methods and apparatuses disclosed herein, the description included
herein refers to "vessels" for convenience.
[0039] Furthermore, the apparatuses and methods described herein
can be used with large and small hole punctures or other openings
in the body tissue. By way of example, the tissue engaging devices
of the present invention can be sized to close holes from 5 French
to 30 French or larger. It may also be possible to close holes of
other sizes.
[0040] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and
methods for closing an opening in a body tissue. In one embodiment,
a closure system may allow an operator to quickly and efficiently
close a tissue opening while simultaneously providing the operator
with a greater measure of control and flexibility in positioning
and anchoring the closure system than previously available. For
example, the closure system may allow an operator to achieve a more
intimate securement of a closure element in the tissue surrounding
the opening. In a yet further embodiment, the closure system may be
compatible with a wider range of tissue wall thicknesses, thereby
taking into account, e.g., the possibility of calcifications or
scar tissue in the tissue wall. In addition, the closure system may
be able to be advanced into the opening over a guidewire.
Furthermore, the closure system may be compatible with a variety of
sizes of body tissue openings and tissue tracts.
[0041] The present disclosure also relates to a device closure
system with a removable anchor. In one embodiment, the anchor can
be deployed from a contracted state to an expanded state. When in
the expanded state, the anchor can be used to locate an opening in
a tissue such as a vessel (e.g., an arteriotomy) when deploying,
for example, a closure element, such as a clip or staple. The
anchor, in conjunction with a tube set in the closure system, may
sandwich the tissue surrounding the opening. This effectively
locates the opening and aids in effective and proper deployment of
the closure element.
[0042] The closure system may then retract or remove the anchor
during use of the closure system, leaving the tissue opening at
least substantially closed or sealed by the closure element. During
removal, the anchor can deform without dislodging the closure
element. More specifically in one embodiment, the anchor is
withdrawn back into the tube set and into the pre-deployed state
after the closure element has been deployed. Thus, the closure
system can close an opening in a body tissue using a removable
anchor.
[0043] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a closure
system 100 in accordance with one embodiment. Closure system 100 is
configured to close an opening in a body tissue, as discussed
below. Closure system 100 extends between a proximal end 96 and a
distal end 98 and includes a handle member 102, a tube set 104
coupled to the handle member 102, a plunger member 106, an inner
cannula 108, and an anchor assembly 110 disposed at least partially
within a lumen 111 (FIG. 4A) of inner cannula 108. An operator,
such as a physician, may utilize closure system 100 and the
elements thereof to close an opening in a body tissue. For example,
as will be explained in more detail below, plunger member 106 may
be used to deploy anchor assembly 110 to locate the distal surface
of a tissue wall and position closure system 100 relative to an
opening in the tissue wall. Thereafter, handle member 102 and tube
set 104 may be used to deliver a closure element, such as a clip or
staple, and deploy the closure element into the tissue wall to
close or substantially close the opening therein.
[0044] Handle member 102 is configured to assist an operator, such
as a physician, to grip, manipulate, advance, and/or operate
closure system 100 in order to close an opening in body tissue. In
particular, handle member 102 may have a shape and size that
conforms to the shape and size of a human hand. Handle member 102
may also include a number of indentations 112 configured to at
least partially receive the fingers and/or thumbs of the operator.
Indentations 112 may assist the operator to grip and manipulate
handle member 102 and closure system 100. Handle member 102 may
also include one or more flanges 114 to assist an operator to grip,
advance, and/or retract handle member 102 and/or closure system
100.
[0045] Handle member 102 may also include any number of mechanisms
necessary to deploy a closure element. For example, handle member
102 may include a button 116 operatively associated with one or
more mechanisms configured to deploy a closure element. Button 116
may be positioned in or proximate to one of the indentations 112.
In a further embodiment, button 116 may be operatively associated
with one or more elements of tube set 104 configured to deploy a
closure element. As a result, an operator may depress button 116 to
push, fire, or eject a closure element from tube set 104 into the
tissue to close an opening in the tissue.
[0046] In one embodiment, handle member 102 includes a recess 118
configured to receive at least a portion of plunger member 106.
Recess 118 is configured to allow plunger member 106 to move in a
longitudinal direction relative to handle member 102. In
particular, recess 118 allows plunger member 106 to move both
distally and proximally relative to handle member 102, along a
longitudinal axis 120. For example, recess 118 may have a
cross-sectional shape similar to, but slightly larger than, the
cross sectional shape of plunger member 106. As a result, plunger
member 106 may slide longitudinally into and out of recess 118 to
move relative to handle member 102.
[0047] Handle member 102 may be comprised of any number of rigid or
semi-rigid materials. For example, handle member 102 may be
comprised of any number of polymers, plastics, metals, composites,
other similar materials, or combinations thereof.
[0048] Tube set 104 is coupled to and/or partially disposed within
handle member 102. Tube set 104 extends between a proximal end 122
coupled to handle member 102 and a distal end 124. Tube set 104 is
configured to contain, deliver, and/or deploy a closure element. In
particular, tube set 104 includes one or more tubular members
and/or other mechanisms configured to house, advance, push, fire,
and/or eject the closure element. For example, tube set 104 may
include a pusher tube, a garage tube, a carrier tube, and/or other
similar elements. In one embodiment, tube set 104 includes a
spring-loaded pusher member configured to deploy the closure
element when released or activated.
[0049] The closure element may be disposed within tube set 104 in
an initial, open configuration and may be configured to be deployed
from tube set 104 and move to a deployed, closed configuration, as
discussed below. In particular, in one embodiment the closure
element may store sufficient energy, while in its initial, open
configuration, to engage the tissue and close an opening therein.
For example, the closure element may include any of a number of
shape memory and/or superelastic materials and may be set to
elastically return to a deployed, closed configuration from any
other configuration. In one embodiment, the closure element
includes nitinol. The closure element may be a clip, a staple, or
other type of closure element. Examples of closure elements that
can be used in closure system 100 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,623,510, issued Sep. 23, 2003 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,810, issued
Dec. 21, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0050] Inner cannula 108 extends from distal end 124 of tube set
104 to a distal end 126. Anchor assembly 110 may be disposed at
least partially within lumen 111 of inner cannula 108, and/or
within tube set 104, handle member 102, and/or plunger member 106.
In one embodiment, inner cannula 108 is movable longitudinally,
such as slidable, with respect to tube set 104, handle member 102,
and/or plunger member 106. As a result, inner cannula 108 may move
either distally or proximally relative to tube set 104, handle
member 102, and/or plunger member 106.
[0051] Inner cannula 108 is configured to house and deliver anchor
assembly 110 to or away from an opening in body tissue. In an
alternative embodiment, inner cannula 108 may be integrated into or
replaced by an element of tube set 104. Inner cannula 108 may be
comprised of any number of flexible or semi-rigid materials. For
example, inner cannula 108 may be comprised of one or more
polymers, elastomers, plastics, metals, composites, other similar
materials, or combinations thereof.
[0052] Anchor assembly 110 is configured to locate a tissue
opening, position closure system 100 relative to the tissue
opening, and/or anchor the tissue surrounding the opening. Anchor
assembly 110 includes an anchor portion 130 and an elongate portion
132. Anchor portion 130 is configured to be positioned and/or
anchored against the distal surface of a tissue wall, such as an
inside surface of a vessel wall. Elongate portion 132 is coupled to
anchor portion 130 and is configured to control, deploy, position,
stabilize, and/or retract anchor portion 130. In particular,
elongate portion 132 may extend away from anchor portion 130 in a
proximal direction through inner cannula 108, tube set 104, handle
member 102, and/or plunger member 106. In one embodiment, elongate
portion 132 is coupled at its proximal end 122 to plunger member
106. In one embodiment, elongate portion 132 is selectively
detachable from plunger member 106 and recouplable thereto.
[0053] Anchor portion 130 may be disposed in an initial, contracted
configuration within inner cannula 108. Elongate portion 132
extends proximally from anchor portion 130 to plunger member 106.
In addition, elongate portion 132 may transfer forces from plunger
member 106 to anchor portion 130. Accordingly, by advancing plunger
member 106 or elongate portion 132 in a distal direction relative
to inner cannula 108, an operator may deploy anchor portion 130
from the distal end of inner cannula 108. Retracting plunger member
106 in a proximal direction may position and/or anchor the anchor
portion 130 against a distal surface of a tissue wall. In one
embodiment, further refracting plunger member 106 in a proximal
direction may retract anchor portion 130 from the tissue and/or
into inner cannula 108 or tube set 104.
[0054] Anchor portion 130 is configured to move from an initial,
contracted configuration within inner cannula 108 to a deployed,
expanded configuration once deployed from inner cannula 108. To
facilitate movement from the initial, contracted configuration to
the deployed, expanded configuration, anchor portion 130 may be
comprised of one or more superelastic or shape memory materials
such as shape memory alloys. For example, and as will be explained
in more detail below, anchor portion 130 may be heat set in the
deployed, expanded configuration. Anchor portion 130 may then be
elastically deformed into the initial, contracted configuration and
disposed within inner cannula 108. In the initial, contracted
configuration, anchor portion 130 may store sufficient energy to
return to its deployed, expanded configuration once released from
inner cannula 108.
[0055] In one embodiment, a user may operate plunger member 106 to
deploy and/or retract anchor assembly 110. For example, plunger
member 106 may be configured to at least partially receive tube set
104 and/or inner cannula 108. In one embodiment, plunger member 106
may also be configured to receive a portion of anchor assembly 110
and/or a guidewire. Inner cannula 108 and/or anchor assembly 110
may be coated, if desired, to minimize friction within inner
cannula 108 to ease deployment.
[0056] A proximal end 134 of plunger member 106 may be configured
to be gripped and/or operated by an operator, such as a physician.
For example, an operator may grip handle member 102 with a first
hand and grip proximal end 134 of plunger member 106 with a second
hand in order to advance or retract plunger member 106 relative to
handle member 102. In one embodiment, the operator may also rotate
plunger member 106 relative to handle member 102, as discussed
below. As a result, the operator may deploy anchor portion 130 of
anchor assembly 110 from inner cannula 108 and/or position anchor
portion 130 against a distal surface of a tissue wall thereby
locating the tissue opening to be closed.
[0057] Thereafter, the operator may advance handle member 102 in a
distal direction relative to plunger member 106 and inner cannula
108 to position distal end 124 of tube set 104 against a proximal
surface of the tissue wall. By so doing, the operator may
facilitate the closure of the tissue opening by at least partially
gripping, sandwiching, and/or immobilizing the tissue surrounding
the opening. The operator may then deploy a closure element into
the tissue surrounding the opening to close the opening.
[0058] The shape of plunger member 106 may correspond with the
shape of recess 118 of handle member 102 to facilitate relative
movement between handle member 102 and plunger member 106. For
example, the cross sectional shape of both plunger member 106 and
recess 118 may be any shape desired such as circular, triangular,
rectangular, or other shapes, or combinations thereof. In addition,
the longitudinal length of plunger member 106 and the corresponding
longitudinal depth of recess 118 may be any length and depth
desired to allow sufficient relative movement between plunger
member 106 and handle member 102. For example, the length of
plunger member 106 and the corresponding depth of recess 118 may be
sufficient to allow deployment of anchor portion 130 from inner
cannula 108.
[0059] In one embodiment, closure system 100 includes a
self-tensioning mechanism configured to automatically provide
tension in anchor assembly 110 once anchor portion 130 has been
deployed. For example, handle member 102 may include a spring
mechanism disposed in recess 118 and configured to resist and/or
counteract movement of plunger member 106 in a distal direction
relative to handle member 102. In particular, advancing plunger
member 106 in the distal direction relative to handle member 102
transfers energy to the spring mechanism, which is released once
the operator releases plunger member 106.
[0060] As a result, the spring mechanism may move plunger member
106 in a proximal direction relative to handle member 102 thereby
retracting anchor portion 130 in the proximal direction. As a
result, anchor portion 130 may be caused to automatically engage
the distal surface of the tissue wall. In addition, handle member
102 and tube set 104 may be caused to advance in a distal
direction, thereby causing tube set 104 to engage the proximal
surface of the tissue wall. The spring mechanism can also create
sufficient tension within anchor assembly 110 to produce a desired
pressure on the tissue between anchor portion 130 and tube set 104.
Accordingly, because of the spring mechanism, closure system 100
may automatically and efficiently create the desired sandwiching or
immobilizing force on the tissue surrounding the tissue opening. In
addition, the spring mechanism may make it unnecessary for the
operator to provide the movement or force necessary to position
closure system 100 relative to the tissue opening. Other
self-tensioning mechanisms may alternatively be included in closure
system 100 to produce the desired tension in anchor assembly 110
and the required force upon the tissue surrounding the tissue
opening. In one embodiment, plunger member 106 and closure system
100 have a click or ratchet function similar to that of a "click"
pen.
[0061] If desired, closure system 100 may include a mechanism for
determining the thickness of a tissue wall and/or the distance
between anchor portion 130 and distal end 124 of tube set 104. For
example, plunger member 106 may have a plurality of indicator lines
(not shown) disposed along the length thereof. The indicator lines
may be positioned and marked to indicate the position of the
deployed anchor portion 130 relative to distal end 124 of tube set
104. In particular, the number of indicator lines exposed as
plunger member 106 is refracted may indicate the thickness of the
tissue surrounding the tissue opening being closed. The indicator
lines may be calibrated so that an indication of zero thickness is
obtained when anchor portion 130 is position directly against
distal end 124 of tube set 104. As a result, the operator may refer
to the indicator lines to determine the position of anchor portion
130 relative to distal end 124 of tube set 104 and/or the thickness
of the tissue surrounding the opening.
[0062] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-2D, which illustrate a
method of operating closure system 100 of FIG. 1 according to one
embodiment. FIG. 2A illustrates closure system 100 in an initial
configuration. In this initial configuration, plunger member 106 is
fully retracted proximally relative to handle member 102, and
anchor portion 130 of anchor assembly 110 is disposed within inner
cannula 108. As shown in FIG. 2B, plunger member 106 is advanced
distally, as denoted by arrow 200, relative to handle member 102,
tube set 104, and inner cannula 108. The distal advancement 200 of
plunger member 106 causes anchor portion 130 of anchor assembly 110
to be deployed from distal end 126 of inner cannula 108, as denoted
by arrow 202. As a result, anchor portion 130 moves from an
initial, contracted configuration to a deployed, expanded
configuration. In alternative embodiments, plunger member 106 may
include two or more plunger components. For example, in one
embodiment, plunger member 106 includes a first component
configured to deploy and/or retract anchor assembly 110 and a
second component configured to advance and/or retract inner cannula
108. In one embodiment, the first and second components of plunger
member 106 are movable with respect to one another.
[0063] Once anchor portion 130 is in the deployed, expanded
configuration, plunger member 106 is retracted proximally, denoted
by arrow 204, relative to handle member 102, tube set 104, and/or
inner cannula 108, as shown in FIG. 2C. The proximal retraction 204
of plunger member 106 also causes anchor portion 130 to be
refracted, as denoted by arrow 206. As shown in FIG. 2D, handle
member 102 is then advanced in the distal direction, denoted by
arrow 208, relative to plunger member 106. The distal advancement
208 of handle member 102 advances tube set 104 in the distal
direction until distal end 124 of tube set 104 is proximate anchor
portion 130 of anchor assembly 110. As a result, an operator of
closure system 100 may locate, anchor, and/or immobilize the tissue
surrounding a tissue opening between tube set 104 and anchor
portion 130. Thereafter, the operator may deploy a closure element
into the tissue surrounding the tissue opening to close the
opening.
[0064] Anchor assemblies may take many shapes and forms and may
extend from the distal end of inner cannula 108 or from an opening
on the wall thereof. Many various types of anchor assemblies that
can be used in closure system 100 are disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/684,542, which was filed on Jan. 8, 2010,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0065] Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, anchor assembly 110 includes a
plurality of anchor elements 300, each comprising an anchor portion
302 extending from an elongate portion 304. Anchor portions 302 of
all anchor elements 300 combine to form anchor portion 130 of
anchor assembly 110. Similarly, elongate portions 304 of all anchor
elements 300 combine to form elongate portion 132 of anchor
assembly 110. In the depicted embodiment, anchor assembly 110 has
eight anchor elements 300. However, anchor assembly 110 may have
fewer or more anchor elements 300, if desired.
[0066] Each anchor portion 302 comprises a projection 306
configured to engage the tissue surrounding an opening therein.
Projection 306 may be shaped, positioned, and/or oriented in any
configuration desired to provide positioning or anchoring support.
For example, in the depicted embodiment, each projection 306 is
substantially linear. In other embodiments, projections 306 can be
curved, spiraled, multicurved, or any other shape. Furthermore, all
or some of the anchor elements 300 can have similarly shaped
projections or can comprise different shaped projections. In one
embodiment, one or more projections 306 may extend in a direction
or a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
elongate portion 132.
[0067] Each anchor portion 302 is coupled to the distal end of its
corresponding elongate portion 304. In the depicted embodiment,
anchor portion 302 and elongate portion 304 are generally
orthogonal to each other to form an "L" shape, although this is not
required. Furthermore, anchor elements 300 are positioned so that
all of the elongate portions 304 are positioned adjacent each other
and, as particularly shown in FIG. 3B, each projection 306 extends
in a different radial direction away therefrom so as to not
overlap. In one embodiment, one or more anchor portions 302 may
overlap or cross over each other in order to increase resistance.
Elongate portions 304 may be configured to advance, retract,
position, and/or deploy anchor portions 302. In particular,
elongate portions 304 may be longitudinally rigid or semi-rigid to
facilitate advancing or retracting anchor portions 302. In one
embodiment, elongate portions 304 may have a solid configuration
such as a nitinol wire. In further embodiments, elongate portions
304 may have a generally tubular configuration.
[0068] Anchor portions 302 and/or elongate portions 304 may be
comprised of any number of materials. In one embodiment, each
anchor portion 302 may be comprised of the same materials as the
corresponding elongate portion 304. In another embodiment, each
anchor portion 302 may include different materials than the
corresponding elongate portion 304. In one embodiment, all of the
anchor portions 302 and/or elongate portions 304 are comprised of
the same material.
[0069] Anchor elements 300 can be comprised of one or more
elongated wires. For example, in the depicted embodiment, each
corresponding anchor portion 302 and elongate portion 304 can
comprise opposite ends of a single wire. In other embodiments, each
corresponding anchor portion 302 and elongate portion 304 can
comprise different wires that are attached or formed together. Any
sized wire can be used so long as the anchor elements can extend
through inner cannula 108. In some embodiments, the wires can vary
in diameter between about 100 .mu.m and about 300 .mu.m, with
between about 127 .mu.m and about 178 .mu.m being common. Other
diameters are also possible. In addition, each wire can have a
circular, oval, square, or other cross-sectional shape.
[0070] In one embodiment, each elongate portion 304 and
corresponding anchor portion 302 may both be formed from a single
shape memory or superelastic wire. The wire may be set into any
shape desired for elongate portion 304 and anchor portion 302. For
example, each wire may be set in an elongate form for elongate
portion 304 and may be set with and elongate form or one or more
bights or beds forming the expanded form of anchor portion 302. As
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in one configuration each wire may form
projection 306.
[0071] Each anchor portion 302 may be configured to elastically
deform to any shape and then return, once released, to its expanded
shape. For example, each anchor portion 302 may be elastically
deformed into an elongate and/or contracted configuration and
disposed within lumen 111 of inner cannula 108 (See FIG. 4A). While
in this contracted configuration, each anchor portion 302 may store
sufficient energy to return to its expanded configuration. Once
each anchor portion 302 is deployed from inner cannula 108, the
anchor portion 302 may release the stored energy and return to its
expanded configuration illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0072] In a further embodiment, one or more anchor portions 302 may
include one or more gripping elements disposed along a proximal
surface 308 thereof. The gripping elements may be configured to
provide a frictional or immobilizing force on tissue surrounding a
tissue opening. For example, one or more anchor portions 302 may
include one or more ridges or teeth or barbs along proximal
surfaces 308 that are configured to engage and grip or immobilize
the tissue surrounding a tissue opening.
[0073] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4D, which illustrate a
method of deploying and retracting anchor assembly 110 from closure
system 100 according to one embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 4A illustrates anchor assembly 110 disposed within
lumen 111 of inner cannula 108 in an initial, contracted
configuration. As discussed above, anchor assembly 110 includes a
plurality of anchor elements 300 that each have an elongate portion
304 and an anchor portion 302. For example, anchor assembly 110
includes first and second anchor elements 300a and 300b that
respectfully include first and second anchor portions 302a and 302b
and first and second elongate portions 304a and 304b.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 4B, elongate portions 304 are advanced in a
distal direction, denoted by arrows 400, relative to inner cannula
108. The distal advancement 400 of elongate portions 304 causes
corresponding anchor portions 302 to deploy from distal end 126 of
inner cannula 108. As a result, the distal advancement 400 of each
elongate portion 304 causes each anchor portion 302 to move from
the initial, contracted configuration shown in FIG. 4A to the
deployed, expanded configuration shown in FIG. 4B. As discussed
above, in the deployed, expanded configuration, each anchor portion
302 includes a projection 306 that radially extends away from the
corresponding elongate portion 304.
[0076] Once anchor portions 302 have been moved to the deployed,
expanded configuration, elongate portions 304 can be refracted
proximally, to provide an anchoring force, if needed. For example,
as shown in FIG. 4C, retracting elongate portions 304 in the
proximal direction, denoted by arrows 402, may cause anchor
portions 302 to anchor against the distal surface of a tissue wall
or any other surface against which anchor portions 302 are
positioned.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 4D, further retracting elongate portions
304 in the proximal direction, denoted by arrows 404, will cause
each anchor portion 302 to retract back into lumen 111 of inner
cannula 108 and move from the deployed, expanded configuration back
to the contracted configuration.
[0078] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5G, which illustrate a
method of closing a tissue opening using closure system 100
according to one embodiment.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 5A, closure system 100 may be at least
partially advanced into a tissue opening 500. For example, after
completing a percutaneous medical procedure, an operator may
advance closure system 100 over a guidewire 502 through a tissue
tract 504 and through tissue opening 500 in a tissue wall 506, such
as a wall in a vein, artery, or other body vessel. In particular,
the operator may advance closure system 100 until distal end 126 of
inner cannula 108 extends through opening 500 into a vessel lumen
508. Once distal end 126 of inner cannula 108 has been advanced
through opening 500, the operator may then retract guidewire 502
from vessel lumen 508.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 5B, once closure system 100 has been
advanced into vessel lumen 508, the operator may deploy anchor
assembly 110 into body lumen 508. As explained in more detail
above, the operator may deploy anchor assembly 110 by advancing
plunger member 106 in a distal direction, denoted by arrow 200,
relative to handle member 102, tube set 104, and inner cannula 108.
Once deployed from inner cannula 108, each anchor portion 302 of
anchor elements 300 of anchor assembly 110 moves from the initial,
contracted configuration to the deployed, expanded
configuration.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 5C, once anchor portions 302 of anchor
elements 300 have been deployed within vessel lumen 508, the
operator retracts plunger member 106 and/or closure system 100
proximally, as denoted by arrow 204, to position anchor portions
302 against the distal or inner surface 510 of tissue wall 506
proximate opening 500 as also shown in FIG. 5C'. In particular, the
operator refracts plunger member 106 proximally until the operator
feels the anchoring force or resistance from anchor portions 302
against distal surface 510 of tissue wall 506, thereby locating
tissue opening 500 and anchoring or securing the tissue surrounding
opening 500. As shown, the projections 306 of anchor portions 302
engage and anchor the tissue surrounding opening 500 in tissue wall
506. In particular, projections 306 each extend in a different
radial direction that is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 120 of elongate portions 304, tube set 104,
and/or inner cannula 108 to contact inner surface 510 of tissue
wall 506 surrounding opening 500.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 5D, once anchor portions 302 have located
tissue opening 500 and/or anchored or secured the tissue
surrounding opening 500, the operator advances handle member 102
distally, denoted by arrow 208, relative to plunger member 106 to
advance tube set 104 in the distal direction relative to anchor
portions 302. In particular, the operator advances handle member
102 and/or tube set 104 until distal end 124 of tube set 104
engages the proximal or outer surface 512 of tissue wall 506
proximate or surrounding tissue opening 500. As a result, in one
embodiment, by advancing tube set 104 in the distal direction
and/or retracting anchor portions 302 in the proximal direction,
the operator may sandwich the tissue surrounding tissue opening 500
between tube set 104 and anchor portions 302. Accordingly, the
operator thereby engages and/or at least partially immobilizes the
tissue surrounding opening 500.
[0083] If desired, a closure element can then be deployed into the
tissue surrounding opening 500 to facilitate the closure of tissue
opening 500. Tube set 104 and anchor portions 302 may hold the
tissue in place while a closure element is deployed into the
tissue. For example, as shown in FIG. 5E, once tube set 104 and
anchor portions 302 are sandwiching tissue wall 506, the operator
may deploy a closure element 514 into the tissue surrounding tissue
opening 500. In one embodiment, the operator may depress button 116
(FIG. 5D) to eject or deploy closure element 514 into tissue wall
506. In particular, closure element 514 may be deployed from an
initial, open configuration to a deployed, closed configuration,
thereby engaging and bringing the tissue surrounding tissue opening
500 together to close opening 500. Closure element 514 may include
any device configured to close tissue opening 500. For example,
closure element 514 may comprise a staple, a clip, other similar
devices, or combinations thereof.
[0084] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5F, anchor elements 300 may be
retracted by moving elongate portions 304 in the proximal
direction, as denoted by arrow 404.
[0085] As shown in the depicted embodiment, inner cannula 108 can
be held in place against outer surface 512 of tissue wall 506
and/or abutting closure element 514 while anchor assembly 110 is
retracted. Holding inner cannula 108 against proximal wall 506
and/or abutting closure element 514 may provide sufficient force to
allow anchor assembly 110 and more particularly anchor portions 302
to deform into the pre-deployment state inside lumen 111 of inner
cannula 108. This ensures that the closure element 514 does not
become dislodged as anchor portions 302 are withdrawn and
contracted.
[0086] As also shown in the depicted embodiment, distal end 124 of
tube set 104 can also remain engaged with outer surface 512 of
tissue wall 506 and/or abutting closure element 514 during the
retraction of anchor elements 300. As a result, the tissue can be
supported by tube set 104 and therefore is less likely to be torn,
abraded, or otherwise further damaged by anchor elements 300 as the
anchors are retracted. In this manner, anchor assembly 110 can
atraumatically collapse and be withdrawn from the tissue without
causing significant damage to tissue wall 506.
[0087] Alternatively, anchor elements 300 may be retracted after
handle member 102 (FIG. 5D), tube set 104, and/or inner cannula 108
are retracted out of and/or away from tissue wall 506 and tissue
tract 504.
[0088] In one embodiment anchor portions 302 are pulled through
closure element 514 after closure element 514 has been deployed and
contracted. Closure elements 514 may have superelastic properties
to facilitate the withdrawal of anchor portions 302 through closure
element 514. For example, closure element 514 may at least
partially expand to facilitate the withdrawal of anchor portions
302 and then return to a contracted position to close tissue
opening 500. In another embodiment, anchor portions 302 and closure
element 514 are positioned so that anchor portions are not pulled
through closure element 514 when anchor portions 302 are
retracted.
[0089] The shape and size of anchor elements 300 with respect to
closure element 514 can aid in allowing anchor elements 300 to be
retracted after closure element 514 has been deployed. For example,
the wires used to form anchor elements 300 can be substantially
smaller than closure element 514. As a result, pulling anchor
portions 302 through closure element 514 may not affect the
positioning of closure element 514 since closure element 514
anchors into the tissue by design. In some embodiments, the wires
used to form anchor elements 300 can radially move inward towards
each other (i.e., radially compress) during refraction to together
form a small cross sectional area. This can help in allowing
closure element 514 to be deployed and positioned without
interfering therewith. In one embodiment, the wires of anchor
portions 302 are superelastic with a diameter small enough to not
require substantial force to collapse anchor portions 302 and pull
them through the deployed closure element 514. For example, the
anchor wires may each have a diameter of around 0.005-0.007'' (127
.mu.m-178 .mu.m).
[0090] Furthermore, by being comprised of separate thin wires, each
anchor element 300 can pass by closure element 514 during
retraction without snagging or otherwise catching on closure
element 514. Furthermore, because anchor elements 300 are each
comprised of a separate wire that has only a single end protruding
therefrom, there is less chance that snagging or other type of hold
up will occur even if there is contact with closure element 514.
These anchor element attributes also ensure that closure element
514 does not become dislodged as anchor elements 300 are withdrawn
and contracted. In light of the above, anchor assembly 110 can
atraumatically collapse and be withdrawn through closure element
514 without causing significant damage to tissue wall 506.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 5G, once closure element 514 has been
deployed and anchor elements 300 have been retracted, handle member
102 (FIG. 5D), tube set 104, and inner cannula 108 may be retracted
proximally out of and/or away from tissue wall 506 and tissue tract
504, as denoted by arrow 405.
[0092] Accordingly, by following one or more of the acts disclosed
in FIGS. 5A-5G, an operator may efficiently close tissue opening
500 with a greater amount of flexibility and control. And as noted
above, the anchor assembly can atraumatically collapse and be
withdrawn from the tissue without causing significant damage to the
tissue wall.
[0093] The anchor assemblies of the closure systems disclosed
herein can be made of a single material or of multiple materials.
This can include a metal primary material and polymer/drug topcoat
or a different metal top layer. The multiple layers can be made of
resiliently flexible materials or rigid and inflexible materials,
and selected combinations thereof. The use of resiliently flexible
materials can provide force-absorbing characteristics, which can
also be beneficial for absorbing stresses and strains, which may
inhibit crack formation at high stress zones. Also, the multiple
layers can be useful for applying radiopaque materials.
[0094] Embodiments of the anchor assemblies can be comprised of a
material made from any of a variety of known suitable biocompatible
materials, such as a biocompatible shape memory material (SMM).
SMMs have a shape memory effect in which they can be made to
remember a particular shape. Once a shape has been remembered, the
SMM may be bent out of shape or deformed and then returned to its
original shape by unloading from strain or heating. Typically, the
SMMs can be shape memory alloys (SMA) comprised of metal alloys, or
shape memory plastics (SMP) comprised of polymers. The materials
can also be referred to as being superelastic.
[0095] Some examples of SMAs that can be used with the embodiments
of the present application include, but are not limited to:
copper-zinc-aluminum; copper-aluminum-nickel; nickel-titanium
(NiTi) alloys known as nitinol; nickel-titanium platinum;
nickel-titanium palladium; and cobalt-chromium-nickel alloys or
cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys known as elgiloy
alloys.
[0096] It can be beneficial to include at least one layer of an SMA
and at least one layer of an SMP to form a multilayered body;
however, any appropriate combination of materials can be used to
form a multilayered device. Examples of SMPs that can be used in
embodiments of the present application include, but are not limited
to, biodegradable polymers, such as
oligo(.epsilon.-caprolactone)diol, oligo(.rho.-dioxanone)diol, and
non-biodegradable polymers such as, polynorborene, polyisoprene,
styrene butadiene, polyurethane-based materials, vinyl
acetate-polyester-based compounds, and others yet to be determined.
As such, any SMP can be used in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0097] Also, the anchor assemblies can be comprised of a variety of
known suitable deformable materials, including, but not limited to,
stainless steel, silver, platinum, tantalum, palladium, nickel,
titanium, nitinol, nitinol having tertiary materials (see U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0038500, which is
incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety),
niobium-tantalum alloy optionally doped with a tertiary material
(see U.S. Patent Application Publications No. 2004/0158309,
2007/0276488, and 2008/0312740, which are each incorporated herein
by reference, in their entireties) cobalt-chromium alloys, or other
known biocompatible materials. Such biocompatible materials can
include a suitable biocompatible polymer in addition to or in place
of a suitable metal. The polymeric closure element can include
biodegradable or bioabsorbable materials, which can be either
plastically deformable or capable of being set in the deployed
configuration.
[0098] In one embodiment, the anchor assemblies can be made at
least in part of a high strength, low modulus metal alloy
comprising Niobium, Tantalum, and at least one element selected
from the group consisting of Zirconium, Tungsten, and
Molybdenum.
[0099] In further embodiments, the anchor assemblies can be made
from or be coated with a biocompatible polymer. Examples of such
biocompatible polymeric materials can include hydrophilic polymer,
hydrophobic polymer biodegradable polymers, bioabsorbable polymers,
and monomers thereof. Examples of such polymers can include nylons,
poly(alpha-hydroxy esters), polylactic acids, polylactides,
poly-L-lactide, poly-DL-lactide, poly-L-lactide-co-DL-lactide,
polyglycolic acids, polyglycolide, polylactic-co-glycolic acids,
polyglycolide-co-lactide, polyglycolide-co-DL-lactide,
polyglycolide-co-L-lactide, polyanhydrides,
polyanhydride-co-imides, polyesters, polyorthoesters,
polycaprolactones, polyesters, polyanydrides, polyphosphazenes,
polyester amides, polyester urethanes, polycarbonates,
polytrimethylene carbonates, polyglycolide-co-trimethylene
carbonates, poly(PBA-carbonates), polyfumarates, polypropylene
fumarate, poly(.rho.-dioxanone), polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyamino
acids, poly-L-tyrosines, poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate),
polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvaleric acids, polyethylenes,
polypropylenes, polyaliphatics, polyvinylalcohols,
polyvinylacetates, hydrophobic/hydrophilic copolymers,
alkylvinylalcohol copolymers, ethylenevinylalcohol copolymers
(EVAL), propylenevinylalcohol copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone
(PVP), combinations thereof, polymers having monomers thereof, or
the like.
[0100] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6D, which illustrate an
anchor assembly 600 according to another embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 6A, anchor assembly 600 is similar to anchor assembly 110 in
that it too includes a plurality of anchor elements 601 each having
an elongate portion 604 and an anchor portion 602 radially
extending therefrom. However, instead of having projections 306
that are substantially straight and orthogonal to the longitudinal
axis of closure system 100 in the deployed position, each anchor
portion 602 comprises a projection 606 that in its deployed,
expanded state folds back proximally with respect to anchor portion
602. Specifically, each projection 606 includes a first section 608
having a first end 610 coupled to the distal end 612 of elongate
portion 604. First section 608 extends proximally from first end
610 to a spaced apart second end 614. First section 608 forms an
angle .alpha. with respect to elongate portion 604. Angle .alpha.
can be any desired acute angle. For example, in one embodiment,
angle .alpha. is in a range between about 10 degrees and about 75
degrees with between about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees being
more common. Other angle values can also be used.
[0101] Each projection 606 can also include one or more further
sections, if desired. For example, in the depicted embodiment, each
projection 606 includes a second section 616. Second section 616
extends from second end 614 of first section 608 at least partially
toward the corresponding elongate portion 604. Second section 616
can alternatively extend in other directions, if desired. In the
depicted embodiment, second section 616 is substantially orthogonal
to elongate portion 604 in the deployed configuration, although
this is not required.
[0102] Similar to the previous embodiments, anchor elements 601 may
be comprised of one or more shape memory materials and may be heat
set to have a memory shape. For example, anchor elements 601 may be
heat set when their corresponding projections 606 are in the
expanded configuration shown in FIG. 6A. As a result, when anchor
portion 602 is deployed, each projection 606 may superelastically
move to its expanded configuration. Thereafter, a user may apply a
force to anchor portion 602 to deform each projection 606 away from
its memory shape and contract anchor portion 602. Alternatively,
each projection 606 may have a contracted memory shape and the user
may apply a force to anchor portion 602 to move anchor portion 602
to an expanded configuration.
[0103] During use, anchor elements 601 perform similar to anchor
elements 300. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, while anchor elements
601 are positioned within lumen 111 of inner cannula 108, anchor
portions 602 are in a similar initial contracted configuration.
Once anchor elements 601 are deployed, anchor portions 602 move to
the deployed, expanded configuration shown in FIG. 6A. Finally,
when retracted back into lumen 111, anchor portions 602 again move
to the contracted configuration. The movement to the contracted
configuration may occur in steps, corresponding to when each
section retracts into lumen 111. For example, for each anchor
portion 602, first section 608 will first begin to move to the
contracted configuration as first section 608 moves into lumen 111,
as shown in FIG. 6C. As anchor portion 602 continues to be
retracted, first section 608 will continue to be contracted and
second section 616 will begin to move to the contracted
configuration as second section 616 moves into lumen 111, as shown
in FIGS. 6D and 6D.
[0104] Similar to anchor elements 300, in some embodiments anchor
elements 601 can also radially compress during retraction to allow
closure element 514 to be deployed and positioned without
interference therefrom.
[0105] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates a
perspective view of an anchor assembly 700 according to another
embodiment. Similar to previously discussed anchor assemblies,
anchor assembly 700 includes an anchor portion 702 and an elongate
portion 704. Elongate portion 704 may include a plurality of
elongate members 706. For example, in the depicted embodiment,
elongate portion 704 includes a first elongate member 706a
extending through a lumen 708 of a second elongate member 706b. In
alternative embodiments, first elongate member 706a may instead be
positioned to the side of second elongate member 706b. First
elongate member 706a may comprise a mandrel or a push/pull wire or
the like that extends to a distal end 710. First elongate member
706a may also include a cap 712 coupled to the mandrel or wire at
distal end 710. First elongate member 706a may include one or more
shape memory materials, such as nitinol, spring steel, and/or other
shape memory alloys, although this is not required. Alternatively,
first elongate member 706a may include one or more other metals or
polymers.
[0106] Second elongate member 706b extends to a distal end 714 and
may be generally tubular in shape. In one embodiment, second
elongate member 706b serves as a guidewire, providing flexibility
for easy access and navigation throughout a medical procedure. In
one embodiment, second elongate member 706b is configured to house
anchor portion 702 therein in an undeployed, contracted
configuration until a user desires to deploy anchor portion 702 to
locate or anchor the tissue surrounding a tissue opening, as
described in more detail below. Second elongate member 706b may be
comprised of the same types of materials discussed above regarding
first elongate member 706a. Although depicted as a solid tube,
second elongate member 706b may alternatively comprise a braided
wire tube, a coiled wire, or other similar structures.
[0107] Anchor portion 702 can include a plurality of wires or the
like that may extend between the distal ends of elongate members
706. For example, in the depicted embodiment, anchor portion 702
comprises a plurality of wires 716 that each extend from a proximal
end 718 connected to distal end 714 of second elongate member 706b
to a distal end 720 connected to distal end 714 of elongate member
706a. If a cap 712 is used, distal ends 720 of wires 716 can
alternatively connect thereto. The connections between wires 716
and first and second elongate members 706a and 706b can be achieved
through welding, adhesives, or any other known fastening mechanism.
Alternatively, wires 716 can be integrally formed with first
elongate member 706a and/or second elongate member 706b.
[0108] Each wire 716 can include a projection 722 extending away
from the longitudinal axis of elongate portion 704. Projections 722
are configured to have a deployed, expanded configuration, as shown
in FIG. 7, an undeployed contracted configuration, and a deployed,
contracted configuration, as discussed in greater detail below. In
the deployed, expanded configuration, each projection 722 has a
loop-like shape. In other embodiments, each projection 722 may have
any shape or size desired for a particular application. In
addition, anchor portion 702 may comprise any number of wires 716
desired. For example, although FIG. 7 illustrates anchor portion
702 as having eight wires 716 and eight corresponding projections
722, any number of wires 716 and projections 722 can be used. For
example, anchor portion 702 can alternatively comprise less than or
more than eight wires 716 and projections 722.
[0109] Similar to the previous embodiments, wires 716 may be
comprised of one or more shape memory materials and may be heat set
to have a memory shape. For example, wires 716 may be heat set when
their corresponding projections 722 are in the expanded
configuration shown in FIG. 7. As a result, when anchor portion 702
is deployed, each projection 722 may superelastically move to its
expanded configuration. Thereafter, a user may apply a force to
anchor portion 702 to deform each projection 722 away from its
memory shape and contract anchor portion 702. Alternatively, the
each projection 722 may have a contracted memory shape and the user
may apply a force to anchor portion 702 to move anchor portion 702
to an expanded configuration.
[0110] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8C, which side views of
anchor assembly 700 of FIG. 7 in various configurations.
Specifically, FIG. 8A illustrates anchor assembly 700 with anchor
portion 702 in the deployed expanded configuration, FIG. 8B
illustrates anchor assembly 700 in the undeployed contracted
configuration, and FIG. 8C illustrates anchor assembly 700 in the
deployed contracted configuration.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 8A, anchor portion 702 of anchor assembly
700 has an expanded configuration in which projections 722 extend
substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis of
elongate members 706. In one embodiment, the expanded configuration
of anchor portion 702 may be formed when elongate projections 722
fold roughly upon themselves with the bend of each projection 722
extending radially outward.
[0112] As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, anchor portion 702 may have a
variety of contracted configurations. For example, in the
undeployed contracted configuration of FIG. 8B, projections 722 are
retracted into lumen 708 of second elongate member 706b. This can
be done by moving first elongate member 706a in a proximal
direction, denoted by arrow 800, relative to second elongate member
706b, or moving second elongate member 706b in a distal direction,
denoted by arrows 802, relative to first elongate member 706a, or
any combination thereof. Having anchor portion 702 in the
undeployed contracted configuration shown in FIG. 8B may facilitate
the delivery of anchor assembly 700 into a tissue opening or the
refraction of anchor assembly 700 from a tissue opening.
[0113] For example, a user may maintain tension 800 in first
elongate member 706a as anchor assembly 700 is advanced at least
partially through the tissue opening. Thereafter, the user may
release the tension on first elongate member 706a, after which
anchor portion 702 may move superelastically to the expanded
configuration shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the user may
facilitate deployment of anchor portion 702 by advancing first
elongate member 706a distally with respect to second elongate
member 706b.
[0114] In the deployed contracted configuration shown in FIG. 8C,
projections 722 are elongated and drawn radially inwardly by moving
first elongate member 706a in the distal direction, denoted by
arrow 804 relative to second elongate member 706b, or moving second
elongate member 706b in a proximal direction, denoted by arrows
806, relative to first elongate member 706a, or any combination
thereof. Similar to the undeployed contracted configuration, having
anchor portion 702 in the deployed contracted configuration shown
in FIG. 8C may facilitate the delivery of anchor assembly 700 into
a tissue opening or the refraction of anchor assembly 700 from a
tissue opening. For example, a user may maintain the distal force
804 in first elongate member 706a as anchor assembly 700 is
advanced at least partially through the tissue opening. Thereafter,
the user may release the force on first elongate member 706a, after
which anchor portion 702 may move superelastically to the expanded
configuration shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the user may
facilitate deployment of anchor portion 702 by advancing second
elongate member 706b distally with respect to first elongate member
706a.
[0115] Once a medical procedure is complete, the user may return
anchor portion 702 to either contracted configuration before
withdrawing the anchor assembly from the tissue, thereby minimizing
contact between anchor portion 702 and an external sheath or a
tissue track as anchor assembly 700 is withdrawn.
[0116] Reference is now made to FIG. 9A, which illustrates an
anchor assembly 900 according to another embodiment. Anchor
assembly 900 is similar to anchor assembly 700 except that instead
of including a plurality of wires, anchor portion 902 is comprised
of a single wire 904, as shown in FIG. 9B. As shown in FIGS. 9A and
9B, wire 904 includes a plurality of sections 906 that loop back
and forth longitudinally between distal end 714 of second elongate
member 708a and cap 712. Each section includes a proximal loop 908
and a distal loop 910 that are respectively welded or otherwise
affixed to second elongate member 706b and cap 712. In a similar
manner to wires 716, sections 906 can also form projections 912
that are configured to have a deployed, expanded configuration, as
shown in FIG. 8A, and one or more undeployed, contracted
configurations, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C.
[0117] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A and 10B, which
illustrates an anchor assembly 1000 according to another
embodiment. Similar to anchor assembly 700, anchor assembly 1000
includes an anchor portion 1002 and first and second elongate
members 1004a and 1004b. Also similar to anchor assembly 700,
anchor portion 1002 includes a plurality of wires 1006 extending
between second elongate member 1004b and a cap 1008. Wires 1006
also include projections 1010 that extend away from the
longitudinal axis 1011 of elongate portions 1004. Projections 1010
are configured to have a deployed, expanded configuration, as shown
in FIG. 10A, and an undeployed, contracted configuration, as shown
in FIG. 10B.
[0118] However, instead of moving cap 1008 longitudinally to deploy
and contract wires 1006, anchor assembly 1000 does so using a
twisting motion. To accomplish this, wires 1006 are attached to
second elongate member 1004b at a different location than wires
716. Second elongate member 1004b includes a distal portion 1012
that can have a smaller outer diameter than the rest of second
elongate member 1004b. Distal portion 1012 extends proximally from
distal end 1014 of second elongate member 1004b to a proximal end
1016. Similar to wires 716, each wire 1006 has a distal end 1018
that is welded or otherwise attached to cap 1008. However, unlike
wires 716, each wire 1006 extends from distal end 1018 to a
proximal end 1020 that is welded or otherwise attached to an outer
surface 1022 of second elongate member 1004b at proximal end 1016
of reduced diameter distal portion 1012. Alternatively, wires 1006
can extend through second elongate member 1004b at proximal end
1016 of reduced diameter distal portion 1012 and attach to an inner
surface 1024. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, cap 1008 is positioned
adjacent distal end 1014 of second elongate member 1004b in both
configurations.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 10A, anchor portion 1002 of anchor assembly
1000 has an expanded configuration in which projections 1010 extend
radially away from longitudinal axis 1011 of elongate members 1004.
In one embodiment, the expanded configuration of anchor portion
1002 may be formed when elongate projections 1010 fold roughly upon
themselves with the bend of each projection 1010 extending radially
outward.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 10B, anchor portion 1002 also has a
contracted configuration. In the contracted configuration, wires
1006 are twisted about second elongate member 1004b so as to
contact or otherwise be adjacent to outer surface 1022 of distal
portion 1012. This can be accomplished by rotating cap 1008 about
longitudinal axis 1011 with respect to second elongate member
1004b, by rotating first elongate member 1004a as depicted by arrow
1026. Thus, instead of moving plunger member 106 (FIG. 1)
longitudinally, plunger member 106 can instead be rotated to effect
the movement of anchor assembly 1000 between the contracted and
expanded configurations. Having anchor portion 1002 in the
contracted configuration shown in FIG. 10B may facilitate the
delivery of anchor assembly 1000 into a tissue opening or the
retraction of anchor assembly 1000 from a tissue opening.
[0121] For example, a user may rotate first elongate member 1004a
and maintain tension thereon as anchor assembly 1000 is advanced at
least partially through the tissue opening. Thereafter, the user
may release the tension on first elongate member 1004a, causing
first elongate member 1004a to rotate in the opposite direction and
causing anchor portion 1002 to move, perhaps superelastically, to
the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 10A.
[0122] Once a medical procedure is complete, the user may return
anchor portion 1002 to the contracted configuration before
withdrawing the anchor assembly from the tissue, thereby minimizing
contact between anchor portion 1002 and an external sheath or a
tissue track as anchor assembly 1000 is withdrawn. In some
embodiments first elongate member 1004a can be rotated clockwise to
move anchor assembly to the contracted position; in other
embodiments first elongate member 1004a can be rotated
counterclockwise to move anchor assembly to the contracted
position; and in other embodiments, first elongate member 1004a can
be rotated in either direction to move anchor assembly to the
contracted position. In the depicted embodiment, each anchor
portion 1002 is comprised of a plurality of wires. It is
appreciated that in other embodiments, anchor portion 1002 can be
formed from a single wire.
[0123] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-11C, which illustrate an
anchor assembly 1100 according to another embodiment. Anchor
assembly 1100 is similar to anchor assembly 600 in that it too
includes a plurality of anchor elements 1101 each having an
elongate portion 1104 and an anchor portion 1102 radially extending
therefrom. However, in anchor assembly 1100, each anchor element
1101 loops back on itself so that both ends of the anchor element
constitute elongate portion 1104 and the middle section that loops
back on itself constitutes the anchor portion 1102. That is, each
anchor element 1101 has a first end portion 1106 and a second end
portion 1108 that both extend proximally from opposing ends 1110
and 1112 of a middle portion 1114. First and second end portions
1106 and 1108 constitute elongate portion 1104.
[0124] In the deployed configuration shown in FIG. 11A, middle
portion 1114 comprises a single wire extending from opposing ends
1110 and 1112 to an end loop 1116. The end loop 1116 is bent back
proximally. As such, as shown in FIG. 11B a space 1118 is created
between the inside surface 510 of tissue wall 506 and the
non-looped section of middle portion 1114 when the end loop 1116 is
positioned against the inside surface 510. This can be beneficial
when using a closure element 514 in conjunction with anchor
assembly 1100.
[0125] For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the space 1118 between
inside surface 510 of tissue wall 506 and middle portion 1114
allows tines 1120 of the closure element 514 to extend through
tissue surface 510 while positioning closure element 514 without
snagging or otherwise catching on the wires that constitute anchor
assembly 1100. When anchor assembly 1100 moves to the undeployed
configuration shown in FIG. 11C, closure element 514 is already in
position on tissue wall 506 so that the anchor elements 1101 will
not likely snag or otherwise catch on tines 1120 or any other
portion of closure element 514. In the depicted embodiment, each
anchor element 1101 is comprised of a separate wire. It is
appreciated that in other embodiments, anchor elements 1101 can be
coupled together so as to be formed from a single wire.
[0126] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *